River and railroad key to local history

By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

According to town historians, Arlington was originally inhabited by the Stoluchquamish people, later known as the Stillaguamish tribe, who traveled the river by canoe. The area was discovered by white men after they traveled by boat from Seattle via the Stillaguamish River.

Arlington's history as a town began in 1877 when Frank Kent arrived as the first settler. He started a general store and created Haller City, where the north and south forks of the Stillaguamish meet. In 1890, the town of Arlington was established on the other side of Division Street; a railroad contractor named it after British Cabinet member Lord Henry Arlington.

Both towns vied for a Northern Pacific Railroad line being built north to Canada. They consolidated in 1903 when Arlington was awarded the station.

The town has grown ever since; it now has about 7,000 residents.